NextGen FSM
NextGen FSM
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Create and manage global expressions in dynamic forms

Get clear feedback messages when you try to save your forms.

Create global expressions

To create and manage validation messages that apply to the entire dynamic form:

  1. Click the Data Collection Template Structure – Global Expressions tab.

  2. To add a global expression, click New.

  3. In the Global Expression dialog, fill in the required fields:

    • Name: A clear and descriptive name to identify the validation.

    • Expression: The condition evaluated when the dynamic form is saved.

    • Message: The message to the user if the expression is triggered.

    • Type: How the validation behaves:

      • Warning: Informs the user of a potential issue but allows them to save.

      • Error: Blocks a save until the issue is resolved.

  4. To add the global expression to the template, click Save.

Note: Since global expressions can evaluate conditions involving multiple fields or sections simultaneously, they’re suitable for cross-field checks and consistency rules.

Manage global expressions

All of a template’s global expressions are listed in a table within the tab. You can:

  • Edit existing expressions.

  • Delete expressions that are no longer needed.

  • Sort expressions by type for easier review.

Note: In released templates, global expressions are visible in read-only mode.

Trigger validation messages

When a user saves a dynamic form, the system evaluates global expressions. If one or more expressions are triggered, a panel displays the related messages. 

Understand message types

There are two types of messages that can be in the panel:

  • Warnings: Allow the user to confirm or cancel the save.

  • Errors: Block the save until the issues are fixed.

There can be many combinations of messages when a dynamic form is saved.

No messages

  • No expressions were triggered.

  • The dynamic form is saved immediately.

Warnings only

If there are warnings, one or more warning expressions are triggered. The user can:

  • Save despite the warning.

  • Make changes in the form based on the warning messages before they save.

Errors only

If there are errors, one or more error expressions are triggered. The user:

  • Can’t save the form.

  • Has to click OK to fix the issues before they save again.

Mixed warnings and errors

If there are both warning and error messages, they are grouped by type. Since errors are present, the user:

  • Can’t save the form yet.

  • Needs to fix all errors before they try to save again.